I was going to call this "from a spectators point of view" or "when Neil beat Dave again" but no he's getting too big for his running shoes that Neil. Yes this was real cross country although one of the flatest you are likely to run it was the wettest and mudiest. As usual there was the banter before the race about it being cold and what am I doing here I should be at home helping the wife out and silly things like that but I know they just love it. I suppose I didn't help much having 3 layers on and saying how warm it was today and just vest shorts and shoes are only required now the snow has gone. Our club comic (Dave Rowlands) told a few jokes then cheered everyone up with the news he had won a competition in the Daily Mirror for a place in The London marathon and is going to be kitted out with Addidas running gear.

So the scene was set the race official warned the runners the shallow pool was now 18" deep you could if you were a wimp go round it. I just hoped all our guys could swim. I wished them good luck and was a little down that I was missing the action (Ha Ha) but thats life. And they are off half way round Kevin is in the top 10 Steve B in the top 40 (thats better) Dave Rowlands top 70 Neil and Dave H come past chatting I get a scowl from Neil after giving some encouragment. Steve Loundes next having started at the back he has already gone through half the field. Then Martin W thats better he wasn't happy with his last race then Alan B you can't miss him in his bandana closely followed by Andy Noble then Mick Hart who surprised me by turning up at the last minute saying he felt guilty after my mid week plea for runners not far behind Rob Griffith was smiling looking like he was having fun but perhaps it was a grimace or wind can these mad men really enjoy this.

On the second lap our runners are gaining places Kevin in 8th place Steve B 27th Steve L top 50 (amazing running) Dave R still top 70 and catching then Neil and Dave H (surprise only Dave doing any talking now) and I shout it looks like it will be a photo finish Neil scowls again. Martin came next why does it always look easy for Martin? Andy Noble is still keeping in touch with Alan B but Rob has passed Mick who is finding it tough going after not doing much training lately.

The leaders are coming in and Kevin has lost a couple of places and finishes 10th not pleased but everyone has an off day. Steve Bowman next he gained 2 places last lap (25th) Steve Loundes gained as well (42nd) as did Dave Rowlands (60th) then Neil Caswell and Dave Hetherington (still talking) Neil Kicks with 100mtrs left 76th leaving Dave (77th) then Martin Wallace (91st) still not back to his best but getting there. Alan Burt (108th) holding off Andy Noble 110th. Then came Rob Griffith (148th) who still seemed to be enjoying it with Mick Hart 3 places behind (151st) although tired was happy he had turned up to be part of the team.

That is my motto "There is no I in the word team" yes I know I didn't run but the lads made me feel like part of the team and thanked me for the encouragment I gave them and yes Neil eventually stopped scowling at me. My regret was that I forgot my camera sorry lads no pictures  and did I tell you Neil Caswell beat Dave Hetherington AGAIN. If you want some fun come to the last race this season to support or race its on our doorstep (just the other side of Walsall) you will be most welcome.

Additional: The race from a runner point of view, well me anyway Dave H ;-)

When Neil beat Dave Again (I'm bored of this now, all I need to say is 3-2 ;-) )

Ok so where do we start, how about the beginning. To get to Burbage Common I had to come some 70 miles from a kids group which I run in the morning (excuse 1 ;-) ), Had nothing to eat since 8am (excuse 2 ;-) ) oh and dont forget my cough (excuse 3, you know what this means ;-) ) Anyway someone though it would be funny to park their tank, mentioning no names Neil (Cohurse by Rob G I bet ;-) ) right against my car so I could not get out of my car. I felt like I was back at school with my kids, we are so so mature.

Anyway back to the race, young Deka choose the wise move and rather than race he was our official cheerleader (where were your pom poms Deka?). A few of us had a bit of a warm up on the course, lets just say, very wet and cold feet, did not bold well ;-) At the beginning the marshall warned us that there was a 30 foot stretch of water 18 inches deep, not worried honest ;-)

The race started, I shot off like a wippet, ok a snail on speed soon to be joined by mr Caswell or Brenda! The dynamic duo, Batman & Robin, Laurel & Hardy, Morcambe & Wise, Cannon & Ball aka Neil Caswell and Dave 'The loser' Hetherington came upto the 30 foot water crossing for the 1st time, we had to do this 3 times, 3 times arrrggggg!!! Coming upto the water I could hear lots of people saying 'oh f***', the first thing that came into my mind when i saw the water was, this race is going to be fun ;-) I do like the mud and water, its good for your skin. we crossed it for the first time, f*** it was cold, I lost the feeling in my feet it was that cold. The best way to describe this course is a flat mud bath with one slight incline. Myself and Neil kept together for the entire 3 laps, will get to the end in a minute. We seem to have this habit of talking while we are running, taking time out to smile at Deka as we pass him (all nice and warm in his many layers). Martin told us at the end of the race he knew Neil and me were coming up behind him as he could hear us talking. Apparently we should be gasping for oxygen rather than talking in an x country race. Its a practised art form, anyone need any tips see me ;-)

Anyway lots of mud down the line, me and Neil were plodding at 7:30 min/mile and still talking. Deka said on lap 2 that it could have been a photo finish between me and Neil. I suppose I should get to the climax of this report (the funny bit) or I might be challenging  Andy Sol for the longest report ;-) On the last bend to the finish Neil said to me 'Dont let the guy behind catch us' or something along those lines. I thought for a split second after what Neil said and then said 'F*** it!' and shot off like a bullet (slow bullet) down the back straight. I was actually putting some work into it now, arms pumping legs moving, deep breathing (below 4min/mile pace). I did not see the look on Neils face when I shot off but Steve Bowman had a birds eye view ;-) I think the look on Neils face might have been 'what the f**** is he doing?' Anyway it worked, we must have moved up about 4 maybe 5 places in the numbers. I did shoot off a bit early and lost it a little in the last 40metres where Neil passed me. Please note, excuse 4! I only have short legs, would never beat Neil on a sprint, the lanky g** The important thing is we did not loose any places and yes I think I am a bit crackers.

We had such a giggle at the finish, Neil asking me what the hell I was thinking. My logic, best way for the guy behind you not to catch you as Neil requested is to run quicker, so I did ;-) There was further winding up with Mick and Rob G telling them there was a guy on their shoulder at the finish when the closest guy was 200metres behind. All in good fun!

I would like to say a BIG welldone to all the guys who took part today, you are all truly insane. Congratulations to just beating me again neil you G**! I cannot put into words how much fun I have doing these x country races, if you have not done one its a fantastic experience which you must try even if its just the once. Its all about the team and its fun. This race was by far the most enjoyable race of the season so far. Looking forward to going out with a bang on the last x country!

cheers

David 'the Loser' Hetherington